Cricket’s unpredictability is what makes it beautiful, but sometimes that unpredictability goes terribly wrong.
Royal Challengers Bangalore experienced one such nightmare on April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens.
Despite having legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle in their lineup, RCB was bundled out for just 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.
This remains the lowest total in IPL history, a record no team wants to hold.
What makes it more shocking is that RCB has always been known for their explosive batting lineup.
Yet, on that fateful evening in Kolkata, nothing went right for the Bangalore-based franchise.
RCB Lowest Score In IPL History

What Happened That Day? RCB’s 49 All Out Against KKR
- The match seemed ordinary until RCB came out to bat. Chasing 132 wasn’t a massive target, but the Eden Gardens pitch and KKR’s bowlers had other plans. RCB lost wickets in clusters, and within 9.4 overs, their entire batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards.
- Chris Woakes and Nathan Coulter-Nile ripped through the top order. The middle order couldn’t resist either. Virat Kohli managed just 5 runs, while AB de Villiers was dismissed for a duck. The scoreboard read 49 all out, and KKR chased it down without losing a single wicket.
- It wasn’t just a defeat—it was a humiliation that highlighted how even the best batting lineups can crumble under pressure. The margin of defeat was 82 runs, which sounds bizarre considering RCB didn’t even reach 50.
Complete List of RCB’s Lowest Scores in IPL History
RCB has featured multiple times in the list of lowest team totals in IPL history. Their batting collapses have become infamous over the years. Here’s a breakdown of their worst performances:
| Score | Opponent | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | KKR | 23 Apr 2017 | Eden Gardens | Lost by 82 runs |
| 68 | SRH | 23 Apr 2022 | Brabourne Stadium | Lost by 9 wickets |
| 70 | CSK | 23 Mar 2019 | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Lost by 7 wickets |
| 70 | RR | 26 Apr 2014 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Lost by 6 wickets |
| 82 | KKR | 18 Apr 2008 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Lost by 140 runs |
| 87 | CSK | 20 Apr 2009 | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Lost by 92 runs |
| 92 | KKR | 20 Sep 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Lost by 9 wickets |
| 96/9 | RPS | 29 Apr 2017 | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium | Lost by 61 runs |
| 105 | RR | 7 May 2009 | Newlands | Lost by 7 wickets |
| 109 | PBKS | 24 Sep 2020 | Dubai International Stadium | Lost by 8 wickets |
RCB has appeared six times in the top 25 lowest totals in IPL history. That’s a pattern, not just bad luck. Their over-reliance on top-order batsmen and lack of depth in the middle order has cost them repeatedly.
Why Does RCB Keep Collapsing? The Pattern Behind Low Scores
- Over-Dependence on Top Order
RCB’s game plan has always revolved around their star-studded top order. When Kohli, de Villiers, or Gayle failed, the middle order rarely stepped up. This creates a domino effect where one or two early wickets trigger a complete collapse.
- Weak Middle Order
Unlike teams like CSK or MI, RCB never invested consistently in building a solid middle order. Their auction strategies focused on big names rather than match-winners who could stabilize innings during tough phases.
- Pressure Situations
RCB has historically struggled under pressure. When chasing modest totals or defending tricky scores, their decision-making becomes questionable. The 49 all out wasn’t just about poor batting—it was panic setting in after losing quick wickets.
- Pitch Conditions
Many of RCB’s lowest scores came on pitches that offered assistance to bowlers. Eden Gardens in 2017 had some movement, and RCB’s batsmen couldn’t adapt. Similarly, their 68 against SRH in 2022 happened on a two-paced Brabourne surface.
Which Teams Have Dominated RCB the Most?
- Chennai Super Kings – The Biggest Nemesis
CSK has defeated RCB 21 times out of 34 matches. Their spinners and death bowling have consistently troubled Bangalore’s aggressive batting approach. MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance against RCB is well-documented.
- Kolkata Knight Riders – Close Second
KKR has also won 21 matches out of 35 against RCB. The 2017 collapse at Eden Gardens is the most memorable, but KKR’s mystery spinners have troubled RCB across multiple seasons.
KKR Lowest Score in IPL 2025: How Did They Fare?
Kolkata Knight Riders had their share of struggles in IPL 2025.
Their lowest score in ipl today came against a disciplined bowling attack that exploited their middle-order weakness.
While not as catastrophic as RCB’s 49, it highlighted that even strong teams face batting collapses in T20 cricket.
Other Teams’ Lowest Scores: CSK, MI, and DC
- CSK Lowest Score in IPL
Chennai Super Kings, despite their consistency, have also faced embarrassing totals. Their discipline and experience usually prevent collapses, but poor pitch reading has occasionally hurt them. - MI Lowest Score in IPL
Mumbai Indians’ lowest total reflects rare instances where their explosive batting lineup misfired. However, their depth and all-rounder balance help them recover better than most teams. - DC Lowest Score in IPL
Delhi Capitals have had their share of batting failures, especially in earlier IPL seasons when they lacked experienced finishers and consistent middle-order performers.
Lowest Score in IPL by Player: Individual Batting Struggles
Individual performances matter in T20 cricket. The lowest score in IPL by a player often comes from batsmen who get out for ducks or single-digit scores under pressure. Top-order batsmen facing quality swing bowling or mystery spinners have historically struggled.
Top 5 Lowest Scores in IPL History: Where RCB Stands
RCB’s 49 tops this unwanted list, but several other teams have scored below 100. Here’s a quick look at cricket’s most embarrassing totals:
- RCB – 49 vs KKR (2017)
- RR – 58 vs RCB (2009)
- PBKS – 59 vs CSK (2023)
- DC – 66 vs KKR (2017)
- RCB – 68 vs SRH (2022)
These collapses show that no team is immune to batting disasters in T20 cricket.
KKR Lowest Score in IPL Scorecard: Match Breakdown
The KKR lowest score in IPL scorecard reflects how their batting has occasionally struggled against disciplined bowling attacks.
While they’ve been dominant in many seasons, their middle-order frailties have been exposed when facing quality pace and spin combinations.
Expert Insight: What RCB Should Learn
RCB’s repeated collapses aren’t just about bad days. They reflect deeper issues—auction strategies focused on glamour over balance, over-reliance on individual brilliance, and failure to build a strong middle order.
Successful teams like MI and CSK invest in match-winners at every position.
Bangalore needs to focus on building a team that doesn’t collapse when the top order fails.
They need batsmen who can rotate strike under pressure, not just boundary hitters. Their bowling has improved over the years, but their batting approach needs rethinking.
FAQs
- What is RCB’s lowest score in IPL history?
RCB’s lowest score is 49 runs against KKR on April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens.
- Which team has defeated RCB the most in IPL?
Chennai Super Kings have defeated RCB 21 times out of 34 matches.
- How many times has RCB scored below 100 in IPL?
RCB has been bowled out for less than 100 runs multiple times, appearing six times in the top 25 lowest totals.
- What was KKR’s lowest score in IPL 2025?
KKR’s lowest score in IPL 2025 came against a strong bowling attack, though not as low as RCB’s historic collapse.
- Who bowled RCB out for 49 in 2017?
Chris Woakes and Nathan Coulter-Nile were the main destroyers, supported by KKR’s spin attack.
Final Thoughts: Can RCB Avoid Future Collapses?
RCB’s 49 all out remains the lowest score in IPL history, a record they’d love to forget.
It’s a reminder that T20 cricket is ruthless, and even the best batting lineups can crumble in minutes. The franchise has made efforts to strengthen its squad, but consistency remains an issue.
For RCB to avoid future collapses, they need to build a balanced team that doesn’t rely solely on top-order fireworks.
Middle-order stability, adaptability to different pitch conditions, and better decision-making under pressure are essential. Until then, the ghost of 49 will continue to haunt their IPL journey.